Despite this, Jean insisted, "In any case, you must give me an answer today."
Takashi placed Oshawott on the table and said seriously, "Captain Jean, our focus now should be on the Pokémon. We can discuss our disagreements later."
Jean crossed her arms, puffed her cheeks, and glared.
Klee couldn't understand the conversation between the two, but she was anxious about Oshawott's crying. She tugged on Takashi's pant leg, tears welling in her eyes. "Oshawott won't..."
"Shh..." Takashi patted Klee's head to comfort her. "No, big brother promises you that you'll get a healthy and lively Oshawott back."
Klee wasn't so easily fooled, "I only want this Oshawott."
Takashi shrugged and opened a door. A brilliant light shone through, making both Jean and Klee squint their eyes.
Could there really be a hidden paradise here?
Jean was astonished. The approved size of Takashi's shop certainly wasn't this large.
"What's this?"
"This is my backyard. It's quite spacious. In the future, if any Pokémon falls ill or becomes overly fatigued, they can come here to rest for a night and regain their strength," Takashi explained to Jean with a smile.
Jean responded seriously, "Your primary business is selling Pokémon, not providing treatment or lodging. You need to come to my office soon to discuss the tax issues related to this."
Goodness, she doesn't let anything slip.
Takashi could only hold his chest and return a Knight's salute. "Understood."
Takashi held Oshawott, and with Jean, Klee, and Xerneas, entered the Pokémon Center.
"Miss Joy, if you please."
"Of course." Nurse Joy placed Oshawott on a trolley brought by Chansey and went into the treatment room.
"Don't worry, Oshawott will be fine." Takashi pointed to a nearby sofa. "Let's wait over there."
Jean and Klee sat on the sofa while Takashi went to the shelf and took out a few bottles of Moomoo Milk, sharing them with Jean, Klee, and Xerneas.
"What's this? Milk?" Jean looked at the white liquid in the glass bottle, which had a label featuring a cow's head.
"You guessed half right. This is milk from a Pokémon."
Jean hesitated, while Klee had already pulled off the cap and gulped it down, her delighted expression and swallowing motion saying it all.
Even Xerneas beside Takashi drank it with enjoyment.
Klee wiped the milk mustache from her mouth with her little hand. "So good! It's sweet and a little tangy."
Jean skeptically took a small sip. It tasted a bit like yogurt, with a thick consistency and a sweet and sour flavor. Perhaps she should change her old habits and take Lisa's advice to enjoy an occasional afternoon tea during her breaks.
However, this thought was quickly interrupted by the workaholic in her mind. "If you're going to promote Moomoo Milk in Mondstadt, you shouldn't forget the tax issues involved."
Takashi saw Jean's fleeting smile, but just as he put the milk bottle to his lips, she came out with such discordant words that the bottle almost slipped from his hand, nearly spilling milk on his face.
It was like she was saying, "Don't think you can buy me off with a bottle of milk."
After a while, Chansey returned with Oshawott and Nurse Joy from the treatment room.
Nurse Joy spoke up, "We've thoroughly checked, and Oshawott isn't sick. It's just missing its most treasured scallop."
Under Nurse Joy's comfort, Oshawott had stopped crying, its little face flushed and a look of slight embarrassment.
"Osha... (Sorry...)" Oshawott looked down, feeling too embarrassed to meet Klee's gaze.
Klee, innocent as ever, couldn't bear such a look. She quickly rushed over, lifted Oshawott high, and spun in a circle. "That's great, you're alright!"
Jean, still confused, rubbed her chin. "Scallop?"
Takashi opened the Pokédex and handed it to her.
"The scallop can be used to fend off enemy attacks and cut through tough berries. It's Oshawott's irreplaceable treasure."
Jean finally understood. The Pokédex had provided the answer from the beginning, but the kid's cries had given her such a headache that she'd completely forgotten about its missing treasure.
When she had entered the room, seeing the teapot and cups scattered on the floor and Klee holding the "culprit," her anger flared up.
Thinking back, Jean felt so embarrassed she wished she could dig a hole to hide in. She had come here looking for answers, only to realize she was the clown all along.
All because of Klee!
Takashi asked with concern, "Do we know where Oshawott's scallop is? If not, I can ask Xerneas to help look for it."
Xerneas nodded firmly. Though shy around Jean and Klee, it was enthusiastic about anything related to Pokémon and was willing to help.
Jean, covering her forehead in embarrassment, quickly declined, "No need, no need. We'll find it in the Knights' headquarters."
Takashi offered reassurance, "We all share a love for Pokémon. Though you're skilled in handling Mondstadt's affairs, Captain Jean, you're still new to dealing with Pokémon. Feel free to consult me if there's anything you don't understand. And I must say, I don't charge consultation fees."
If you dare charge consultation fees, I'll start taxing you... Jean kept the thought to herself without voicing it.
"Klee, let's go home." All Jean wanted now was to leave with Klee and Oshawott.
"You're always welcome to visit," Takashi said.
As he spoke, a sophisticated woman in a purple mage robe leaned against the door, staring at Takashi, making him slightly uncomfortable.
"Oh, Jean, I thought you were out cleaning up Klee's mess, but it turns out you've found yourself a new match?" Lisa's black lace gloves held a blue-covered Favonius Codex, her expression playful.
Jean was used to Lisa's frequent teasing, so she didn't take it to heart. "You're half right; it was all Klee's doing."
Takashi hurried forward to smooth things over. "Welcome, Miss Lisa. How may I assist you today?"
Lisa had heard about Mr.Takumi's extravagant spending at the tavern last night, and how her dear friend Jean had spent two million Mora on a so-called "troublemaker" for Klee. She had also overheard the recent conversation at the door and was now quite interested in these Pokémon.
Leaning lazily and seductively at the door, Lisa asked, "Oh, Jean, where's your own Pokémon?"
Jean clenched her fist in silence. Why did Lisa always know exactly what not to ask? She had bought Oshawott for Klee first and would figure out a way to get her own later.
For the next five months, she'd have to save as much as possible. Otherwise, excessive spending would lead to nagging from her mother.